Prunes

Prunes: Health Benefits and Interesting Facts

Prunes are more than just a natural laxative. This amazing little wrinkled fruit can help prevent and treat anemia. It may slow the development of atherosclerosis, reduce blood pressure, help maintain acceptable cholesterol levels and be a contributing factor to heart health in various other ways. Dried plums are an excellent source of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps keep blood sugar levels stable. It also makes you feel full longer thereby preventing overeating which can lead to obesity. Prunes are considered to be a preventative for colon cancer. Additional benefits include their support of bone and vision health and their anti-aging benefit.

Many consumers don’t realize how lengthy the growth process is for plums. Once a plum tree is planted, it takes 4 to 6 years for it to produce fruit. A plum tree doesn’t reach full maturity until it is 8 to 12 years old. At that point in its life, it can produce 150 to 300 pounds of plums. It takes approximately 3 pounds of fresh plums to make one pound of the sweet, chewy dried fruit.

Dried Plums, Vitamin A and Healthy Eyes

Vitamin A plays a significant role in eye health. Studies show that vitamin A nourishes the cornea. It protects the mucus membranes that cover your eyes, thereby reducing the risk of getting potentially damaging eye infections. Without the proper amount of vitamin A, you lose the ability to distinguish color differences. Vitamin A enhances your ability to see in dimly lit areas. Night blindness is one of the main indicators of a vitamin A deficiency. You need vitamin A to help fight free radicals that can cause eye infections. Adding a 1 cup serving of prunes to your diet will provide 27% of the daily intake of vitamin A.

Prunes Can Assist With Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels

One of the most beneficial things you can do for your heart health is to maintain proper cholesterol levels. It’s the LDL level, also referred to as “bad” cholesterol that you need to focus on to protect your heart. Studies show that there is a definite correlation between your dietary habits and your cholesterol levels. As part of a health-conscious eating plan, it is recommended that you include foods such as dried plums in your diet. Prunes are a good source of soluble fiber. Research indicates that soluble fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol.

Prunes Provide Beneficial Vitamin K and Beta Carotene

Prunes are listed as one of the top ten foods that provide the highest amount of vitamin K. There’s a myriad of reasons why you would want to make getting a sufficient amount of vitamin K a priority. Vitamin K is considered to be one of the top 5 anti-aging vitamins. It is beneficial inwardly and outwardly by helping you maintain healthy bones and youthful-looking skin. Vitamin K also helps improve circulation and regulates cell growth. You can acquire 65% of the daily value of vitamin K simply by adding ½ cup serving of prunes to your diet. A ½ cup serving is approximately 9 prunes.

Most people associate beta carotene with its role in eye health. While it is beneficial to your vision, it also has many other benefits. Beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A. It is an antioxidant which protects the body from free radicals and cell damage which can lead to chronic illnesses. In addition to supporting the immune system, beta carotene may lower the risk of cancer, heart disease and slow the process of cognitive decline. Eating foods, such as plums, that are rich in antioxidants can improve your mood and lessen depression.

Prunes For Relief of Constipation

Many times in life, we tend to over-complicate a problem and miss one of the simplest solutions to it. It’s estimated that over 4 million Americans frequently experience constipation. A remedy that has been used for generations, is still one of the most effective remedies for constipation today. That remedy is pruned. Studies show that eating approximately fourteen medium-sized prunes each day can effectively reduce or eliminate instances of constipation. You may want to make purchases of bulk prunes so that you can experiment with the abundance of prune-related recipes that are available. Prunes are an excellent source of dietary fiber. The contain sorbitol which draws water from the intestine and helps produce a laxative effect. The skin of a prune contains dihydrophenylisatin, a chemical that functions as a stimulant laxative. With all of these facts taken into consideration, it’s easy to see why prunes have long been considered a natural remedy for constipation.

Prunes For Bone Health

Eating a handful of prunes each day can be beneficial to your bones. Prunes are a good source of calcium. However, you need more than calcium alone to maintain strong bones. Prunes contain vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, boron and vitamin K which are needed to build and sustain a strong skeletal system. Research indicates that fruits and vegetables can help balance the acid-based balance in the body which in turn help prevent the excretion of calcium. Through extensive study, it has been determined that dried plums are one of the most beneficial fruits to eat to support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. When you find prunes for sale, you might want to stock up on them. Including as few as ten prunes a day in your diet can help increase bone density.